Google Plus Games Arrive to Challenge Facebook

I am sure it is not a surprise to anyone that Google Plus is trying to compete for the attention of Facebook users.  Now they have invested $200 million or more in game design to try to cash in on those users.  Specifically they have invested in Zynga who were the designers of Farmville and Cityville which were designed specifically for Facebook.  Zynga has primarily been dependent of Facebook for their games but that is about to change.

Google is saying that their games will change the gaming industry.  Google has also stressed that the games are only there if you want them.  Their platform can also be game free.

Now after reading the article, I go further to read the comments.  Most of the comments are that why are they spending money on gaming.  Really people don't join Facebook for the games and a lot of people are ready to leave Facebook because of the gaming invitations.  Most people are using Facebook to stay connected.  They want to be in the loop of what is going on.  I have to say that I agree.  I am on Facebook for two reasons.  One, to see what my kids are up to.  Two, to keep in touch with people that I don't see very often.  I have never played a game on Facebook and I don't plan on it.  For me, it really is all about staying connected.

Resources:  http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_plus_games_arrive_to_challenge_facebook.php

5 Ways Small Businesses Can Use QR Codes

Okay, I have to be honest I did not even know what QR codes were until earlier this week.  I was setting in my bosses office and we were talking about how we need to do things differently and think "outside of the box".  She showed me a QR code that was in our non credit course catalogs.  She said that department had put one of these codes in their catalog and if someone with a smartphone scanned it they would be downloading the catalog to their phone.  Wow, what a concept.

So as I am going through my RSS feeds, I come across this article.  Who knew there was so much that you could do with these codes.  I plan on going back to work on Monday and asking to put one of these on the back on my business card.  The college just made a decision to stop printing our college, for credit, catalog and strictly making it online.  The catalog could be loaded into the QR code on the back of my card so students can access it right from their phone.  Oh the possibilities...

Resources:  http://www.readwriteweb.com/biz/2011/01/how-small-businesses-use-qr-codes.php

Android Tablets Begin Chipping Away At iPads Dominance

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a blog about iPad still dominating the enterprise.  This week, I am reading another article about how Android is starting to narrow the gap on their version of the iPad.  Although the article talks about Android making some changes and how Google is releasing their newest OS code named "ice cream sandwich", they have a ways to go to match Apple.  The author states that right now Android has taken 20% of the market share from Apple and that by 2015 they should have 38.6%.  I wouldn't say that is leaps and bounds and the way Apple is going by 2015 they will have something even better. 

Apple is amazing and so are their products.  Have you ever walked past an Apple store and seen it empty?  Well, I haven't and I don't think I will any time soon in the future.

Resource:  http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/android_tablet_growth_ipad_dominance.php

Wooden Bathtubs

All right this doesn't have a lot to do with technology, but I am a huge fan of HGTV so I subscribed to their RSS feed.  This article (see link below) is about a totally wooden bathtub.  It was designed by yacht builders which gives the tub the same richness of a yacht.  These tubs are absolutely beautiful.  According to the article, they don't warp or get water damage and they wont splinter.

Their special design tub looks like a huge salad bowl.  These are really cool. 

Reference:  http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2011/07/29/daily-delight-wooden-bathtubs/

Apple Comes Closer to Taking Over Your Livingroom

Apple is one step closer to release their updated television sets.  The new televisions will include cloud space and streaming of movies and shows that are purchased through iTunes. Right now the only way to view these are if you have them loaded on another Apple devise and use Air Play or Home Share.   They are planning to release iCloud this fall, which will sync content, contacts and calendars across Apple devices. 

By next year, Apple is hoping to stop their "hobby" of television sets and release three different HDTV sets. This new initiative will take Apple into a whole new realm. 

What will Apple think of next?  With all the gadgets they will have on the market and the ability to sync them they will continue to be a technology giant.  As it is you see people who can't go five minutes without pulling out their iPhone, iPad, ITouch or other technical devise.  Apple is just going to make it that much easier to be connected.

Resource:  http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/apple_moves_closer_to_taking_over_your_living_room.php

Google Expands International Support for Chrome Web Store

Google released an article today about expanding its Google Chrome web browser into the International Market.  Google will allow merchants to target or leave out international markets.  The new browser will allow apps to be purchased through the new market on a tiered pay. 

Mozilla Firefox is challenging the apps and browser because of some of the downloadable features and storage on computers.  They say that it is not a a true web app because it can't be available on any web browser.  Google wants a complete web based software and is working on producing one.  They want that to be the main point of entry for people like a portal.

I think this is good.  There is always room for improvement and advances. I don't currently use Google Chrome but I may just give it a shot.

Resource:  http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_expands_international_support_for_chrome_we.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+readwriteweb+%28ReadWriteWeb%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

iPad Still Rules the Enterprise

Apple is still leading the market with their iphones and ipads.  Android is starting to pick up some of the market, but Apple is still holding the lead.  For now.  In quarter 2 of 2010, Apple held 94.3% of the market with Android only holding 2.9%.  If quarter 2 of 2011, those percentage had some major change.  Apple only holds 61.3% and Android holding 30.1%.  Apple is losing some of their clout to Android.  It will be interesting to see what the 2nd quarter of 2012 will bring.

Resource:  http://www.readwriteweb.com/enterprise/2011/07/ipad-for-business-round-up-ipad-shipments.php